Maharashtra’s Health Minister, Prakash Abitkar, reassured the public on Monday following the detection of a Human MetaPneumovirus (HMPV) case in Bengaluru, emphasizing that there is no cause for alarm. He announced a review meeting scheduled for Wednesday to monitor the situation.
“We have directed all relevant departments to take necessary precautions, but there is no need for concern,” said Abitkar, urging people to follow health department guidelines and take care of their well-being.
The Maharashtra government issued an advisory in response to concerns over an HMPV outbreak in China. The advisory includes preventive measures such as using napkins or handkerchiefs when sneezing or coughing and increasing the use of alcohol-based sanitizers.
HMPV, which was first identified in the Netherlands in 2001, is a respiratory virus that primarily affects the upper respiratory tract, often becoming more active during the winter and early summer months. The virus shares similarities with Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) and influenza. The advisory clarified that no HMPV cases have been reported in Maharashtra, and there has been no significant rise in respiratory illness cases between 2023 and 2024.
The guidelines urge individuals showing cold or cough symptoms to avoid public places, refrain from shaking hands, and avoid public spitting. The advisory also recommended better ventilation, proper hydration, and a nutritious diet to curb the spread of the virus.
